Congressman Williams Delivers Floor Remarks Commemorating Vietnam War Veterans Day

On Wednesday, we honored the untold service and countless sacrifices Vietnam Veterans and their families gave to our nation throughout the Vietnam war.

Stephanie’s father, Col. McRee, served two tours in Vietnam, first as an advisor and then in the fiercest of battles from 1967-1968 at the Battle of Khe Sanh. There he supported the Marine Corps from his artillery position during the day and defended his perimeter at night.

Like many Vietnam Veterans, he returned to a nation that was ungrateful, and to a nation that disregarded the sacrifices they made.

It was a sobering moment to give Col. McRee the acknowledgement that he deserves for the sacrifice both he and his family made during the war, and to the countless Vietnam Veterans and their spouses and families.

Click here to watch my remarks honoring and thanking our Vietnam Veterans for their dedication, sacrifice, and patriotism in pursuit of ensuring the safety and security of our great nation.

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Congressman Williams Greets New York State School Administrators at the Capitol

Supporting the quality of education our kids receive is of utmost importance.

I was happy to welcome public middle and high-school principals and administrators from across New York State, including Mr. Cardamone from the Baldwinsville CSD, to the Capitol. We had a productive conversation focused on ensuring all students, faculty, and parents are receiving what they need to ensure prosperity and educational success.

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H.R.1 - Lower Energy Costs Act

This week, I voted in favor of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act of 2023. In passing the Lower Energy Costs Act in bipartisan fashion, we are bringing real results home to Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. I have thousands of hours of experience in the energy field and the affordability crisis we are facing right now is entirely fixable.

My main priority is relieving the financial burden families are feeling in NY-22.

I believe in putting people over politics, and that is why as an energy expert, I voted in support of H.R.1, to lower the cost of energy and unburden New York families and small business owners.

Here’s what H.R.1 will do for CNY and the Mohawk Valley:

• Increase American energy production, exports, and infrastructure.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the permitting process.
• Improve water quality certification.
• Ensuring consideration of uranium as a critical mineral.
• Improve energy projects.
• Reduce energy costs.
• Lower global emissions.
• Strengthen our national security.

Earlier this week, I gave a speech on the House floor urging my colleagues to support this legislation. During my remarks, I spoke of a constituent named Steve Turner. Steve is a Marine veteran with cancer and is unable to afford to pay his electric bills for him and his wife. This is unacceptable. And that is why I voted in favor of this legislation — to help people like Steve and everyone else in our district who are struggling and need relief.

Watch my full speech.

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Congressman Williams Delivers Remarks on Lagging Real Wages and NYS Policies Driving Up Costs to do Business

Today, 63% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, an even larger majority cite inflation as the biggest financial hurdle they face. With the costs of goods rising faster than wages, Americans are falling further behind than they ever faced in the last few decades.

This is through no fault of your own.

Fiscally conservative policies have been set aside and replaced with the highest levels of spending ever by the federal government.

In my committee hearings this week, I highlighted policies and regulations that further increase costs and lessen the ease at which business can be done.

View my remarks at the Highways and Transit Subcommittee hearing by clicking here or watch my comments at the Education and the Workforce hearing by clicking here.

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This year, I am excited to announce that New York’s 22nd Congressional District will be participating in the annual Congressional Art Competition. 

About the competition:

"Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol."

This is an excellent opportunity for young artists in grades 9-12 to showcase their talents and be recognized at the national level for their creativity and vision. The winner from the competition in New York’s 22nd Congressional District will have their entry displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year and is also invited to Washington, D.C. for a national reception to honor winning artists from across the Nation.

Entries must be delivered to my Utica or Syracuse District Office by Monday, April 24^th at 5:00PM.

Please contact Isaac Smith in my Utica District office at (202) 794-4933 or Isaac.smith@mail.house.gov, if you have any questions or need additional information.

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Thank you for reading this week's wrap-up.

If you are experiencing difficulty with a federal agency, my office can help.

Trained caseworkers can assist with agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. While we cannot guarantee a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem.

Residents of the 22nd Congressional District can contact our Syracuse (315-233-4333) or Utica (315-732-0713) offices for assistance. You can also submit a request on my website here.

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